1956 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 2012 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2012 Nissan Altima is newer by 56 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air would be higher. At 3,869 cc (6 cylinders), 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Altima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. (148 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air.
Because 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Altima, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2012 Nissan Altima (349 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. (278 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air | 2012 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Nissan |
| Model | Bel Air | Altima |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3869 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2675 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 76 L |
